DP slot is taken, pick something else: Wamuthende to ODM

Mbeere North MP Leo Wa Muthende after a mass service at Kamugu Catholic Church in Nthawa Ward on August 24, 2025./FILE

Mbeere North MP Njeru Leo Wamuthende has dismissed calls by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to be allocated the Deputy President’s position in the next general elections.

Speaking in response to ODM’s proposal during ongoing political consultations, Wa Muthende said the position of Deputy President is currently occupied and functioning effectively, adding ODM's request targets a seat that is neither vacant nor negotiable.

"On the side of UDA, we have a deputy president, Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki, who is supporting the president. It is okay for ODM to have that wish, but it's good to look at positions that are vacant or wishes that are easier to be granted," he said.

The legislator noted that UDA’s leadership structure remains intact, with William Ruto serving as party leader and President, while Kithure Kindiki holds the deputy presidency.

According to Wamuthende, the UDA National Governing Council meeting held on January 27, 2026, and chaired by President Ruto resolved to initiate discussions with like-minded political parties whose agendas align with those of the ruling party. Among the parties identified for possible collaboration was ODM.

He explained that the discussions were meant to explore areas where the parties’ political interests converge, stressing that negotiations do not automatically mean that every request made by partners will be accepted.

"When such a discussion is in place, it's okay for such a party to have wishes. We have a president and a deputy president; he is performing his duties well, and you don't change that which is working," he added.

Wa Muthende acknowledged that political parties are entitled to express their expectations during coalition talks but insisted that such requests must be practical and considerate of the current political structure.

He argued that ODM’s demand for the deputy president position overlooks the fact that the office is already held by Kindiki, who he said continues to discharge his responsibilities effectively in support of the president.

Wamuthende recalled a past meeting between President Ruto and UDA aspirants during recent by-elections, where the Head of State openly expressed confidence in his deputy, praising Kindiki for faithfully executing the responsibilities delegated to him.

During that engagement, the president reportedly described Kindiki as a reliable partner in government who has supported the administration’s agenda without controversy.

Wa Muthende said such remarks demonstrate that the president's trust in his deputy remains strong, making the prospect of replacing him in future coalition arrangements unrealistic.

The MP maintained that the Deputy President’s position should not be treated as a bargaining chip in coalition negotiations, emphasizing that leadership stability within the ruling party must be respected.

He urged parties engaging in dialogue with UDA to focus on strengthening cooperation in other areas that could enhance political unity without destabilizing existing leadership structures.

Wa Muthende said that ODM recently indicated that it would not field a presidential candidate in a potential coalition arrangement but has reportedly expressed interest in securing the deputy president slot as part of power-sharing discussions.

"ODM have said that the only position they are not contesting is that of the president, which we respect. As members we are insisting that we are behind our deputy president," he added.

However, Wamuthende reiterated that while the UDA remains open to working with parties whose agendas align with its vision, the position of Deputy President is not among those available for negotiation.